Gary Oldman series Slow Horses filmed at West Herts College

Watford Borough Council announced that filming would be taking place at West Herts College last week, but exactly what show was initially kept under wraps.

The council has now confirmed that the town “proudly hosted filming for the thrilling Apple TV series Slow Horses”.

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According to the streaming service's description, Slow Horses is a “quick-witted spy drama” following a dysfunctional team of M15 agents who defend England from "sinister forces".

It stars Gary Oldman, Olivia Cooke, Jack Lowden, and Kristin Scott Thomas, and is based on the Slough House series of books by Mick Herron.

Two six-episode series have been released so far to very positive reviews (97% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes).

The film set at West Herts College (Image: Stephen Danzig)

The Hempstead Road building was reimagined as a Christmastime shopping centre seemingly called "Westacres" and signs for fake restaurants (such as “Rozenzo’s”) and shops, as well as festive decorations, were put up.

The council said: “West Herts College, Watford Leisure Centre, and Hempstead Road set the stage for this major production, bringing lights, camera, and action to our town.

“Hosting a major production like Slow Horses helps put Watford on the map as an attractive destination for future film and television projects and helps boost the local economy.”

The filming on Friday night (Image: Stephen Danzig)

The production company had previously told the Watford Observer “stunts” would be involved in the filming but many of the “key actors” wouldn’t be present on set.

It added that no Screen Actors Guild talent will be used, so it isn’t breaking any actors’ strike rules.

Gary Oldman in Slow Horses (Image: PA/Apple TV)

After preparatory work, the main filming took place during a Friday evening (July 28) “night shoot”, which required the nearby The Horns music venue to be closed for the day for “noise control”.

Previous episodes have been filmed in London and Gloucestershire. Apple TV has so far already ordered four series.

Local fans of the series replied to Watford Borough Council’s confirmation with delight, with some adding that they “can’t wait” for the new series, likely featuring the Watford locations, to be released.

The film set at West Herts College (Image: Stephen Danzig)

West Herts College (Image: Stephen Danzig)

The film set at West Herts College (Image: Stephen Danzig)